Missing Dashpot and VTV
 

I'm chasing down issues realted to bad timing and a generally poor running engine (1985 22re).

In doing so I noticed I'm missing the dashpot and VTV. Which the FSM shows I should have.

Could this be contributing to the poor running engine and timing issue. Seems giving it's function to assist in deceleration it really shouldn't impact timing or issues related to a rough running engine.

Do I need to the dashpot and vtv?

No. Most of us have superglued the valve down because we got tired of it sticking. Its only function on an EFI motor is to return the throttle slowly for emission reasons only. On carbed vehicles, it's used to prevent dieseling and backfiring.